“She was talking about becoming a wolf,” I watched the array of emotions that flitted over Tegan’s face, from happiness to worry. “I don’t think I’m the best judge of her readiness for that. I can’t help but think of how amazing she will be as a wolf, and how perfect she will be as my mate” Tegan’s eyes widened at my admission.
“You plan to ask her to be your mate?” She questioned. “Only if she becomes a wolf, or would ask her to be with you as a human as well?” Tegan always had a way of pushing through and asking the hard questions, or the awkward ones.
“I knew a long time ago that I love her,” I replied, feeling a thrill running through me at being able to say it out loud to someone. “I haven’t told her yet, but I do. I would love having her by my side as a wolf or as a human. Whichever she chooses.” Tegan’s face broke into a grin, and I couldn’t help returning it.
“I assume you’re telling me all of this for a reason,” Tegan waved her hand in a carry-on motion.
“I was hoping you could talk to her if she wants to talk,” I said. “I don’t mean you have to go in there right now and get all over her about it. I just want her to talk to someone who isn’t biased. She seems ready to stay here while she is healing, so there is plenty of time, like I told her.” Tegan was looking at the house when Wyatt’s howl broke the silence. A grin spread across her face.
“Yeah, if she wants to talk, I’ll talk,” Tegan was practically dancing with impatience. I chuckled at her as I waved her away. She pecked me on the cheek and shifted back to her wolf. Her fur rippled in excitement as she raised her nose to let out her answering howl. With a final yip in my direction she dashed off into the woods.
I turned to head to the site of Aaron’s soon to be home. Wyatt and Tegan’s relationship was moving from harmless flirting onto something more serious. I had already had to assign them the same patrols because they would run with each other regardless. Now, when they didn’t need to be out checking the territory, they were playing.
I wondered how much longer it would take for Wyatt to ask to mate with Tegan. It wasn’t something he had to do, wolves picked their own mate, and love wasn’t something anyone should control. Wyatt would ask out of respect for me as a friend. They were an interesting match. Tegan, usually shy and logical was becoming more outgoing under Wyatt’s influence, and her confidence had risen to extraordinary highs. Wyatt, always an amazing Beta, but inclined to joke around, was working hard at improving the pack in every way he could. They were perfect for each other, and I was happy that their interest in each other was growing.
The sounds of sawing and the smell of freshly cut wood pulled me from my musing. When came into the clearing I found Aaron and Jarren sawing logs to fit into whatever plan Aaron had masterminded for the house. More logs weighed down Aaron’s truck, waiting to be cut to the right length. Jarren looked up from where he was sawing. He propped the saw against the log and came over to me.
“Working off that extra energy?” I asked as seriously as I could. All I received in response was a hard stare. “Yeah, thought so. Zee told me some interesting things about her phone call just now.” I relayed the call to Jarren, who looked uneasy. He started pacing while he listened.
“I don’t get it,” he said, talking quietly. “I have never been seen. I check, double back and take different routes, watch for tails. I have seen absolutely no evidence that I’m notice when I’m checking on her. Most of the time Silas isn’t even with her when I check on her. How could he possibly know that I’m coming around? I know he isn’t a Hunter. I checked his scent thoroughly when they first met. He is human, through and through.” Jarren continued pacing with his fist clenched as he tried to work it all out.
“Have you done any background checks on him?” I asked, assuming he already had, and his nod confirmed it. “I don’t like him much more than you or Zee does. After hearing what he’s telling Delilah I’m even more inclined to say something isn’t right with him. He’s new in town, why don’t you see if you can find out where he’s staying? Maybe that will give us some clues.” Jarren stopped pacing, his face once again a perfect mask of indifference when he looked at me.
“Yes, sir,” Jarren issued his response in his usual clipped tone. I searched his eyes to try to find out where his mind was at, but I saw nothing. Jarren had shut off his emotions after his pacing show. He was back to being the perfect soldier who let nothing get under his skin. I was doubting his façade though. I was positive that Delilah had somehow wormed her way in.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Zee
Ten days. I had been cooped up in the house for ten freaking days and I was antsy. Eli came to check on my daily and praised my improvement, saying I’d be back to my old self in no time. Rest as much as possible was the mantra that both he and Alex fed me. My patience with sitting still in my room had lasted exactly five days. Then, ignoring Alex’s concerns
